Célia Stoecklin has been appointed as Executive Chef at Fi’lia at SLS Dubai Hotel & Residences
Fi'lia's raison d'être from day one has been its commitment to empowering women. During Sara Aqel's time at the restaurant, she became one of Dubai's best-known chefs. Aqel left the restaurant at SLS Dubai in 2022 and has now announced a replacement.
Caterer award-winner Célia Stoecklin has left Jumeirah Group to become the new face of Fi'lia and its executive chef.
The 25-year-old joins the restaurant, known for its homely Italian-influenced food, from French Riveria, where she was sous-chef de cuisine for two years.
She has also worked at the mighty Guy Savoy in Paris, as well as at Four Seasons Hotel George V, both up there with the best of the best.
She starts at Fi'lia on February 18. Here, she gives an exclusive interview to sister title Caterer Middle East about everything she has planned.
Predecessor Aqel's focus on authentic Italian cuisine with a twist of her own culture was warmly received across the emirate. As Stoecklin puts on the chef whites, she isn't planning on undoing all that work, though does want to push the restaurant to its "next level."